Basketball World Cup: Mali secures a surprise win against Spain

The basketball players from Mali caused a big surprise in the Germany group at the World Cup in Berlin. The African women won in the Max-Schmeling-Halle against vice-European champions Spain with 82:73 (32:34) and thus celebrated only their second victory at a World Cup. In 2010 they celebrated their only victory at a World Cup so far in the placement round.

Spain outclassed Germany 83:53 on Friday, scoring particularly well from distance. Against Mali, which had lost to Japan 97:102 at the start, the medal candidate only hit four of 22 attempts beyond the three-point line. After the final siren, Mali's players danced exuberantly across the floor.

Mali's victory increases the pressure on the German team, which faces Japan today at 6 p.m. (ProSieben Maxx and Magentasport). After the weak performance against Spain, the German team needs to improve significantly.